Passport Size Photo Dimensions: Official Sizes for Every Country
Anyone applying for a passport, visa, residency card, or government ID needs a photo that matches strict official dimensions. Embassies and immigration offices reject thousands of applications every week because of incorrect sizing, off-center faces, or wrong head proportions. This guide lists verified passport size photo dimensions in millimeters, centimeters, inches, and pixels for every major country, plus the head-to-frame ratio and resolution standards required for compliant submissions.
Passport Size Photo Dimensions (Quick Answer)
The standard passport photo size is 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) in the US and India, and 35 x 45 mm in the UK, EU, Canada (visa), and Australia. Canada passports use a unique 50 x 70 mm size.
| Country | Size (mm) | Size (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| USA | 51 × 51 mm | 2 × 2 in |
| UK | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
| Canada (passport) | 50 × 70 mm | 2 × 2.75 in |
| India | 51 × 51 mm | 2 × 2 in |
| Australia | 35 × 45 mm | 1.38 × 1.77 in |
Standard Passport Photo Dimensions by Country
Below is a verified reference of passport picture measurements used by the major issuing authorities. Click any country to open its dedicated tool with locked official dimensions.
| Country / Document | Size (mm) | Size (inches) | Head Height | Background |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States Passport | 51 x 51 mm | 2 x 2 in | 25–35 mm | Plain white |
| US Visa | 51 x 51 mm | 2 x 2 in | 25–35 mm | Plain white |
| United Kingdom Passport | 35 x 45 mm | 1.38 x 1.77 in | 29–34 mm | Light-colored plain background |
| Canada Passport | 50 x 70 mm | 2 x 2.75 in | 31–36 mm | Plain white |
| Canada Visa | 35 x 45 mm | 1.38 x 1.77 in | 31–36 mm | Plain white |
| Canada PR Card | 35 x 45 mm | 1.38 x 1.77 in | 31–36 mm | Plain white |
| India Passport | 51 x 51 mm | 2 x 2 in | 25–35 mm | Pure white |
| India Visa | 51 x 51 mm | 2 x 2 in | 25–35 mm | Pure white |
| India OCI Card | 51 x 51 mm | 2 x 2 in | 25–35 mm | Pure white |
| Australia Passport | 35 x 45 mm | 1.38 x 1.77 in | 32–36 mm | Plain white |
| Australia Visa | 35 x 45 mm | 1.38 x 1.77 in | 32–36 mm | Plain white |
| Schengen Visa (EU) | 35 x 45 mm | 1.38 x 1.77 in | 32–36 mm | Light grey |
| China Passport | 33 x 48 mm | 1.3 x 1.89 in | 28–33 mm | White |
| Japan Passport | 35 x 45 mm | 1.38 x 1.77 in | 32–36 mm | White |
| USCIS Green Card | 51 x 51 mm | 2 x 2 in | 25–35 mm | Plain white |
Need the correct dimensions applied automatically?
Create Passport Photo →Passport Photo Dimensions in Pixels
Online portals like the US Department of State, India Passport Seva, and UK HMPO require digital uploads at specific pixel dimensions. The values below are calculated at the standard 300 DPI used for biometric photographs.
| Photo Size | Pixels @ 300 DPI | Pixels @ 600 DPI | Used For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51 mm) | 600 x 600 px | 1200 x 1200 px | US, India, Green Card |
| 35 x 45 mm | 413 x 531 px | 826 x 1062 px | UK, EU, AU, CA Visa |
| 50 x 70 mm | 591 x 827 px | 1181 x 1654 px | Canada Passport |
| 35 x 35 mm | 413 x 413 px | 827 x 827 px | India PAN / Aadhaar |
| 33 x 48 mm | 390 x 567 px | 780 x 1134 px | China Passport |
Passport Photo Dimensions in Inches, CM and MM
Different agencies publish their specifications in different units. Use this conversion reference to match any requirement in millimeters, centimeters, or inches.
| Common Name | Millimeters (mm) | Centimeters (cm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Passport Size | 51 x 51 mm | 5.1 x 5.1 cm | 2 x 2 in |
| UK / EU / AU Size | 35 x 45 mm | 3.5 x 4.5 cm | 1.38 x 1.77 in |
| Canada Passport Size | 50 x 70 mm | 5.0 x 7.0 cm | 2 x 2.75 in |
| India PAN Size | 35 x 45 mm | 3.5 x 4.5 cm | 1.38 x 1.77 in |
| Stamp Size | 20 x 25 mm | 2.0 x 2.5 cm | 0.79 x 0.98 in |
| Print Sheet Output | 102 x 152 mm | 10.2 x 15.2 cm | 4 x 6 in |
Passport Photo Dimensions for Online Applications
Government e-portals enforce strict pixel sizes and file-byte limits. Photos that exceed the upload limit are silently rejected even when the dimensions are correct.
| Application Portal | Pixel Dimensions | File Size Limit | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Passport (travel.state.gov) | 600 x 600 px (min) – 1200 x 1200 px (max) | 240 KB max | JPEG |
| US Visa (DS-160 / CEAC) | 600 x 600 px – 1200 x 1200 px | 240 KB max | JPEG |
| USCIS Green Card | 600 x 600 px (2 x 2 in @ 300 DPI) | No limit (printed) | JPEG / Print |
| India Passport Seva | 413 x 531 px (35 x 45 mm) | 10 – 20 KB | JPEG |
| India OCI Card | 200 x 200 px (min) – 1500 x 1500 px (max) | 10 – 200 KB | JPEG |
| UK Online Passport (HMPO) | 600 x 750 px (min) | 50 KB – 10 MB | JPEG |
| Canada IRCC PR Card | 420 x 540 px (min) | Up to 240 KB | JPEG |
| Australia ImmiAccount | 900 x 1200 px recommended | 500 KB max per file | JPEG / PNG |
Create Your Passport Size Photo Dimensions Online
Skip the measuring tape and the trial-and-error cropping. Our Passport Photo Maker reads your uploaded image, detects your face, and applies the correct dimensions for the country and document you select.
It runs in your browser, supports JPG, PNG, and HEIC, and outputs both a print-ready 4x6 sheet and a digital file sized to the official byte limit of each portal.
Upload your photo and our Passport Photo Maker automatically:
- Crops the photo correctly for your selected country
- Centers your face within the official frame
- Applies proper dimensions in millimeters and pixels
- Creates a compliant photo that meets ICAO 9303 standards
- Generates a print-ready 4x6 sheet with multiple copies
Detailed Passport Photo Requirements
| Photo size | 2 x 2 in (US / India) or 35 x 45 mm (UK / EU / AU / CA Visa) |
|---|---|
| Width | 35 mm to 51 mm depending on country |
| Height | 45 mm to 70 mm depending on country |
| Background | Plain light-colored background (white, off-white, or light grey) |
| Head size (chin to crown) | 70–80% of frame height (25–36 mm) |
| Resolution | 300 DPI standard; pixel dimensions of 413x531 to 1200x1200 |
| File format | JPEG (.jpg) — typically under 240 KB for online portals |
| Glasses | Not permitted (banned in US, UK, IN, AU, CA since 2016) |
| Expression | Neutral face, mouth closed, eyes open looking at camera |
| Color | 24-bit color, natural skin tones, no filters or beautification |
How to Create a Passport Size Photo Dimensions
- Take or upload a photo — Stand 4-5 feet from a plain white wall in soft natural light. Face the camera directly with a neutral expression.
- Open the Passport Photo Maker — Visit the ClonyPDF Passport Photo Maker and drag your image into the upload box.
- Select your country or document — Choose from US, UK, Canada, India, Australia, Schengen, or 50+ other presets with locked official dimensions.
- Auto-crop and adjust — Our tool detects your face and applies the correct head-to-frame ratio. Fine-tune the position if needed.
- Download the result — Get a digital JPEG sized to the official byte limit plus a 4x6 print sheet with 4–6 copies arranged for cutting.
Why Passport Photos Get Rejected
Wrong Dimensions
The most common reason. A 2x2 photo submitted for a UK passport (which requires 35x45 mm) is rejected instantly by automated systems.
Poor Lighting
Overexposed cheeks, dark eye sockets, or yellow indoor light cause skin tone errors that fail biometric verification.
Wrong Background
Textured walls, gradients, or any color outside the country's accepted range will cause automatic rejection.
Face Not Centered
The face must be horizontally centered with a specific margin above the head. Off-center crops fail facial recognition checks.
Low Resolution
Photos under 300 DPI appear pixelated when printed at the required size. Most rejected digital uploads are below 413x531 pixels.
Shadows on Face or Wall
Side lighting creates shadows behind the head or under the chin. Even small shadows fail ICAO compliance scans.
Cropping Errors
Cutting off the top of the head, including shoulders too prominently, or wrong chin-to-crown ratio are frequent rejection causes.
Glasses, Hats, or Smiling
Eyewear reflections, headwear (except religious), and open-mouth smiles trigger biometric mismatches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size is a standard passport photo?
The most common passport photo sizes are 2x2 inches (51x51 mm) used by the US, India, and the Green Card application, and 35x45 mm used by the UK, EU Schengen zone, Canada visa, and Australia. The Canadian passport uses a unique 50x70 mm size.
What are passport photo dimensions in pixels?
At the standard 300 DPI, a 2x2 inch photo is 600x600 pixels, a 35x45 mm photo is 413x531 pixels, and a 50x70 mm photo is 591x827 pixels. Higher-DPI versions are accepted by most portals but the pixel ratio must remain the same.
What DPI is required for a passport photo?
300 DPI is the industry standard for both printed and digitally submitted passport photos. It satisfies ICAO 9303 requirements and is accepted by the US State Department, UK HMPO, India Passport Seva, and all major immigration agencies.
Can I take the photo at home?
Yes. Home photos are fully accepted as long as they meet dimension, background, and lighting rules. Stand against a plain light-colored wall, use daylight from a window, and upload to our cropper to handle the measurements.
Can I wear glasses?
No. Eyeglasses are prohibited in passport photos for the US, UK, India, Canada, Australia, and Schengen states. Medically required eyewear is the only exception and requires a doctor's note.
What background is required?
A plain light-colored background is the global standard. The US and India require pure white. The UK HMPO accepts white, cream, or light grey depending on which provides the best contrast against your hair and skin tone.
Can I use my phone camera?
Yes. Modern smartphone cameras exceed the pixel resolution required for passport photos. Hold the phone at eye level, use the rear camera, and avoid wide-angle distortion by keeping a 4-foot distance.
How recent must the photo be?
Passport photos must be taken within the last 6 months and reflect your current appearance. Changes in facial hair, hair color, or significant weight require a new photo.
What is the head size in a passport photo?
The head must measure 25–35 mm from chin to crown for US/India photos and 29–36 mm for UK/EU/Canada/Australia photos. It should occupy 70–80% of the vertical frame.
What file format and size do I need?
JPEG is the universal format. Digital uploads typically need to be under 240 KB with pixel dimensions between 413x531 and 1200x1200 depending on the country. Our online passport photo cropper outputs to the exact byte limit each portal accepts.
Related Passport Photo Tools
Official Sources & References
- U.S. Department of State — Passport Photo Requirements (travel.state.gov)
- UK HM Passport Office — Photo Rules (gov.uk)
- Government of Canada — Passport Photo Specifications (canada.ca)
- India Passport Seva — Photo Guidelines (passportindia.gov.in)
- Australian Passport Office — Photo Guidelines (passports.gov.au)
- ICAO Doc 9303 — Machine Readable Travel Documents standard for biometric photos
Create Your Passport Size Photo Dimensions Now
Skip the measuring, the math, and the rejection emails. Upload one photo and get a compliant, perfectly cropped image ready for any embassy or online portal in under 60 seconds.
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